The Standard - Thursday, April 25, 1895

CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT
(Before Mr. Justice CHARLES.)
THE CASE OF WILDE AND TAYLOR

Mr. Charles Mathews, who has been retained with Sir Edward Clarke for the defence of Oscar Wilde, who is sent from the Bow-street Police-court for trial, asked that the trial might be postponed to the May Sessions, on the grounds set out in an affidavit — namely, that the defence had not had proper time to prepare their case ; and further, that in the present state of popular feeling Mr. Wilde would not get a fair and impartial trial. — Mr. Grain, who defends Taylor, said his client was desirous of having the charges against him brought to an issue as early as possible. Beyond this he did not desire to say anything. — Mr. Gill, for the prosecution, opposed the application. In the proceedings which terminated on April 5, and which led to Wilde's arrest, a plea of justification had been made to a charge of libel, and the statements contained in the plea of justification were delivered to Mr. Wilde some days b fore the trial took place. So the fullest possible information was given to Mr. Wilde as to the charges he would then have to meet. He asked that the application be not granted. — The Judge said he did not feel justified, on the material contained in the affidavit, to accede to the application. As to the Defendants not having a fair trial, any suggestion such as that was groundless. He could not upon the material laid before him grant the application for a postponement. — The case stands accordingly in the list for trial either tor Friday or Saturday, but the trial will be subject to the remaining business. The Defendants were not present in the Court during the application.